By Sam Tonks
This year, London Stadium will once again play host to the local derby between Saracens and Harlequins. As the club are embroiled in a title race with Exeter to defend their Premiership title, they’re also through to the knock-outs of the European Cup, there’s a lot to play for.
But for some players, there will be one eye on the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Japan this year. Here are five players who are set to star on the world’s stage, from Saracens:
MARO ITOJE
A London Stadium Icon and Saracens star, his return from injury is timely with a push for trophies domestically and in European competition. He has just two tries this campaign but his vital contributions will be in scrums and rucks. He has won 13 turnovers in the Premiership, the second highest.
His return was marred by a yellow card, but with the Six Nations upcoming, it’s the perfect place to prove his value to his national team again. His England debut was in the Six Nations, two years ago, now he is one of the mainstays of Eddie Jones’ squad.
Back in the first XV for his club, a successful second-half of the season with the possibility of medals will set him up well to shine at his first Rugby World Cup.
MAKO VUNIPOLA
The England Player of the Year for 2018. A prop with the slight of hand of a centre, contributing two assists for tries from Owen Farrell in their 28-10 win away at Lyon in the Champions Cup last weekend.
His performance touted as a ‘masterclass’, helped Saracens qualify for the quarter-finals as the only unbeaten team left in the competition. The 28-year-old is a starter for England, making 52 appearances and can prove his class this summer.
His experience and quality are vital, so much so Jones made him vice-captain for England. If they are to have a good World Cup, Vunipola will no doubt be an outstanding performer as he often is for Saracens.
LIAM WILLIAMS
The Welsh wizard, who was on the score-sheet at London Stadium last year with a try, has flourished since switching to Saracens in 2017.
He’s their second-highest try scorer in the Premiership with six tries this campaign and at 27 years-old is just heading into the prime of his abilities arguably. According to Rugby Pass’ website, he is the second-best left winger in the world statiscally, showing his value for Saracens and Wales.
With Saracens heading for multiple titles, Williams’ impressive form can help his club succeed and him cement his place as one of the world’s best in the World Cup.
OWEN FARRELL
Taking the mantle of England fly-half is always a tough ask since the extraordinary showings from Jonny Wilkinson, but Owen Farrell does quite a good job. Whilst also being Saracens’ all-time leading points scorer, when he reached 1548 points in 2017, overtaking Glen Jackson, he is a world class talent.
When Saracens defended the Champions Cup in the same year, Farrell was declared European Player of the Year. He has shown himself as a big game player, winning man of the match in the 2015 Premiership final scoring 15 points in victory.
He was made England captain last year and continues to rise to the occasion. His first Lions tour was in 2013 as a replacement for Jonny Sexton. But by 2017, he’d scored the most points of any player on the tour for Lions, with 45 and scored every penalty in the decisive last test, drawing 15-15 with New Zealand.
Having been previously nominated for World Player of the Year as well, Farrell is well revered. He's scored 55 points in their unbeaten Champions Cup run, the signs are there that this could be the best year of Farrell's career to date.
Â
Saracens vs Harlequins is on the 23rd March at London Stadium, tickets are still available here https://www.london-stadium.com/event/saracens-v-harlequins-0
